How to Calculate Percentage Increase (Formula & Examples)
Percentage increase = ((new value - old value) / old value) x 100. Here's the full formula, step-by-step examples, and how to calculate percentage decrease too.
The Formula
Percentage Increase = ((New Value - Old Value) / Old Value) x 100
If the result is positive, it's an increase. If negative, it's a decrease.
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1: Price goes from $50 to $65. Change = 15. Percentage = (15 / 50) x 100 = 30% increase.
Example 2: Salary goes from $60,000 to $75,000. Change = 15,000. Percentage = (15,000 / 60,000) x 100 = 25% increase.
Example 3: Stock drops from $120 to $90. Change = -30. Percentage = (-30 / 120) x 100 = -25% (a 25% decrease).
Common Percentage Changes
| Old Value | New Value | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 110 | +10% |
| 100 | 125 | +25% |
| 100 | 150 | +50% |
| 100 | 200 | +100% |
| 200 | 150 | -25% |
| 80 | 100 | +25% |
How to Find the New Value
New Value = Old Value x (1 + percentage/100)
Example: $200 increased by 15% = 200 x 1.15 = $230.
Percentage Increase vs. Percentage Points
If interest rates go from 2% to 3%, that is a 1 percentage point increase but a 50% increase in the rate itself.
Percentage points measure absolute change. Percentage increase measures relative change.
Need to handle decreases too, or compare two values in either direction? See How to Calculate Percentage Change.
Calculate any percentage increase or decrease instantly.
Percentage Increase Calculator →